ZMOS: What Was Fought for in 1989 Is Achieved Every Day in Towns and Villages

Bratislava, 17 November (TASR) - On the occasion of Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy on Monday, the Slovak Towns and Villages Association (ZMOS) has declared that it's aware of its responsibility to protect and develop the values of 17 November, and it pointed out that it is in towns and municipalities that what people fought for in 1989 is carried out every day - free decision-making, openness, the opportunity to express oneself publicly and active participation in the administration of public affairs. "This day reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of students in 1939, when they stood up to Nazi oppression and many of them paid with their lives. At the same time, we also remember the civic courage of 1989, when the people of Czechoslovakia expressed their desire for freedom and a democratic future and contributed to a historic and social change via their stance," it noted. ZMOS stated that it's aware of its responsibility to protect and develop the values of 17 November. "Towns and villages are places in which freedom and democracy are not only commemorated but also put into practice via services for citizens, transparent decision-making and support for active citizenship," it added. am/df